ITF

BELOW: The USTA, under its President Katrina Adams, hosted this year's Conference and AGM in Orlando The decision of the AGM to approve Davis Cup by BNP Paribas reforms was met with applause C O N F E R E N C E A N D A G M 08 WINDS OF CHANGE WHISTLED THROUGH THE RITZ-CARLTON ORLANDO HOTEL IN FLORIDA AS THE ITF'S AGM VOTED OVERWHELMINGLY in favour of landmark Davis Cup by BNP Paribas reforms at its yearly conference in August. Transformative proposals for the competition's revamp, spearheaded by the ITF and investment group Kosmos, received 71.43 percent support from member nations – well over the two-thirds majority required for approval. The Davis Cup revolution has come a long way since ITF President David Haggerty's first meeting with representatives of Kosmos, an organisation pioneered by Barcelona and Spain footballer Gerard Pique, in December 2017. Haggerty, however, is not only convinced that the future of the tournament has been safeguarded by this historic vote, but a real opportunity now presents itself to elevate it to the loftiest of heights. "I am delighted that the nations voted to secure the long-term status of Davis Cup by BNP Paribas," said Haggerty, who had opened the three-day Conference and AGM with a review of the year, detailing how the ITF is delivering on its promises. "By voting in favour of these reforms, we will be able to realise the huge potential of the competition. "I would like to thank the nations for taking this historic decision and the ITF Board of Directors for their commitment and support. I would also like to thank Kosmos for their passion and partnership. "The hard work starts now, though, and it is vital that we hit the ground running to ensure the nations who are perhaps concerned or sceptical about the plans have the information to see the many benefits for the nations. That is a priority. "But I have no doubt that by working together, the nations, the ITF, the ITF Board of Directors and Kosmos will ensure a brighter future for tennis all around the world." The prosperous outlook for the game's future that Haggerty is keen to stress stems from the 25-year agreement between the ITF and Kosmos, which is set to represent a total influx of US $3 billion into tennis. The proceeds of this substantial financial commitment are earmarked for investment into the global development of the sport's future through the ITF and its 210-member National Associations. There will be a significant increase in the nations' income from the competition as well as a new player prize fund of $20 million, which will propel the Davis Cup to Grand Slam prize money levels. "The new revenues for nations that the event will generate will have a transformative effect on the development of tennis in all nations," added Haggerty. "Our mission is to ensure that this historic decision benefits the next generation of players for decades to come." Haggerty also believes the new event will evolve into a festival of tennis and prove a much more attractive and alluring proposition to the world's best players, fans, sponsors and broadcasters.

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